The Department of Finance – Abu Dhabi (DoF) and the General Administration of Customs- Abu Dhabi, held its annual National Day celebrations under the slogan ‘Spirit of the Union’. The event gave DoF employees the chance to express their loyalty and belonging to the UAE and commend its wise leadership.

The National Day activities, which began with a recital of the UAE national anthem, were headed by HE Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, Chairman of the DoF- Abu Dhabi, in the presence of executive directors and a large number of DoF employees. The celebrations also included traditional folklore festivities accompanied by poetry readings, and staff took part in a competition on the past and present day UAE.

The celebration programme included performances by a group of children under the theme ‘National Army’, in which they expressed their future aspirations to complete their education and join the army within its different sectors; in order to protect the country, serve its people and wise leaders as armed forces heroes.

On the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the UAE union, HE Hamad Al Hurr Al Suwaidi, spoke on behalf of DoF- Abu Dhabi and its employees, extending congratulations to: His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai; Their Highnesses the UAE Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.

HE Al Suwaidi praised the country’s wise vision and the leadership of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, which aims to promote the UAE’s progress as part of a strategic vision aimed at sustainable economic development, and cultural renaissance. All institutions across the country work side by side to achieve success, and look to the future with confidence and optimism to achieve even more success.

HE Al Suwaidi added: “Since its inception, the UAE has achieved many remarkable achievements and has occupied prominent positioning among advanced countries. The UAE’s accomplishments have been the result of our wise leadership and the people’s efforts to contribute to the country’s progress. The Department of Finance- Abu Dhabi reaffirms its commitment to fulfil its duties and obligations, and will continue to work towards the realisation of our leadership’s vision for the future. We will remain focused on building an advanced financial and customs framework, and contribute to a prudent fiscal policy, one that is in line with the UAE’s distinctive values of openness and tolerance.”

“Today, we renew our commitment to continue the process of development and progress, and will extend our utmost efforts to elevate the UAE’s global position to the highest levels. On this day, we would also like to remember our heroes who sacrificed their lives for the safety and stability of our country, and to keep our flag waving high as a symbol of pride with the efforts of our Emirati citizens.”

HE Al Suwaidi added: “In DoF-Abu Dhabi, we renew our allegiance and loyalty to our beloved country and its leadership, and reaffirm our commitment to continue working alongside our partners to achieve our leadership’s future vision to drive economic and social growth for the country and its people.”